Japan to help Thailand construct high speed train

The Thai and Japanese governments have to build a hi speed railway linking Thailand’s western and eastern regions to create more connectivity between Myanmar,Thailand and Cambodia.

Deputy Prime Minister Pridiyathorn Devakula told the press after meeting with Hiroto Izumi, a special advisor to Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, at Thailand’s Government House yesterday, that both parties have agreed on the construction of a hi speed train line, linking Phu Nam Ron district of Karnchanaburi province with Bangkok, Chachoengsao, Sa Keao, and Cambodia.

The route would also provide another link between Myanmar, Thailand and Cambodia using a standard rail gauge of 1.435 metres.

Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-o-cha is scheduled to ink the aid agreement on February 8-9 in Tokyo.

Both sides’ concerned mechanism would then discuss plans for the construction, the overall project budget, as well as investment ratios between Thailand and Japan.

The deputy premier said he would go to Myanmar on Friday to sign an agreement with the neighbouring country on building the Dawei Deep Sea Port, which the Japanese government has said that it would like to assist.

Mr Pridhyathorn plans to discuss Japan’s assistance with Myanmar during this visit, noting that Tokyo has already helped build a rail line leading into Dawei and would like to invest in building the deep sea port as well. (MCOT online news)